One of the major challenges in oral drug delivery is the development of formulations for improved absorption of poorly soluble and poorly absorbed drugs. There are a number of technologies available to enhance bioavailability, amongst others nano-crystals or nano-particles, and liquid fill formulations. The nano-particle approach results in a decrease in particle size, an increased surface area and therefore a faster dissolution. In some cases, this has been demonstrated to result in increased bioavailability of the active drug. Liquid fill formulations which can be solutions or suspensions of drug in non-aqueous liquids have also proven in many cases to produce significant bioavailability enhancement.

“We believe that there are considerable synergies to be achieved by combining the nano-particle and liquid fill technologies particularly for low solubility and low permeability compounds.” said Dr Stephen Brown, CEO at Encap. “Lena Nanoceutics have made very significant advances in the science and engineering of particle milling and we are delighted to be collaborating with them on this important project.”

Preliminary in-vitro data generated using itraconazole as a model compound has shown improved dissolution rate when both nano-particulate and liquid fill formulations were compared to standard particulate drug formulations. More interestingly, an even greater improvement was found when the nano-particle technology was combined with liquid fill technology.

About Encap Drug DeliveryEncap was established in 1989 and is a global provider of oral drug delivery and pharmaceutical development services. The company provides clients with fully integrated analytical and formulation development services, clinical trial manufacturing and high volume commercial manufacturing. Encap’s state-of-the-art facility in the UK is the world’s largest development and manufacturing facility dedicated to liquid and semi-solid filled hard capsules.

About Lena NanoceuticsLena Nanoceutics Ltd is a technology company which provides enhanced nanoparticle based formulations, addressing issues such as poor bioavailability, for pharmaceutical and healthcare products. This is achieved through the application of its efficient proprietary particle size reduction system together with significant expertise in formulation and drug delivery. Lena Nanoceutics’ strategy focuses on collaboration with clients to develop innovative solutions that are readily scalable to production levels.